Kato NK5000

The Kato NK5000 is a 500-ton class hydraulic truck crane developed by Kato Works Co., Ltd., standing as one of the most powerful truck cranes ever manufactured in Japan. Before being overtaken by the Tadano AR5500M, the NK5000 held the title of Japan’s largest mobile crane. Built for heavy-duty applications, the NK5000 was widely used in massive infrastructure developments, including bridge construction, plant module lifting, and power station installations, marking it as a flagship crane in the domestic market.

The crane is mounted on a 12×4 all-wheel drive carrier and is powered by a Nissan Diesel RH10 water-cooled V10 engine delivering 450 PS at 2,200 rpm. It also offers a substantial torque output of 160 kg·m at 1,400 rpm, ensuring adequate power for long-distance travel and maneuverability on job sites. A hydro-pneumatic suspension system enhances the machine’s ability to adapt to uneven terrain, and its maximum travel speed is 60 km/h with a minimum turning radius of 11.8 meters, providing excellent roadability for such a large machine.

Its boom system is highly adaptable, comprising a telescopic main boom ranging from 13.35 meters to 22.35 meters. With the shortest boom, the crane can lift up to 500 tons at a 3-meter radius, while the maximum boom extension supports 300 tons at a 6-meter radius. For extended lift operations, the NK5000 is equipped with multiple heavy-duty jibs, including lengths of 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, and 72 meters. A super heavy-lift jib system is also available for additional reach, featuring a total max boom + jib reach of 126 meters (23.2m main boom + 126m heavy-lift jib). Boom elevation ranges from -1.8° to 83.5°, and the super-lift jib can be elevated from 10° to 50°.

To support various lifting operations, the NK5000 features multiple hook blocks, including 500t (28 sheaves), 300t (14 sheaves), 150t (8 sheaves), 90t/70t (8/6 sheaves), 24t (4 sheaves), and 12t (2 sheaves). The crane is equipped with dual winch systems and a boom backstop, along with a 3rd hoist for additional lifting flexibility. Its load hoist system provides maximum line speeds of 100 m/min, and the hook hoist system enables up to 65 m/min line speeds for hoisting and lowering, thanks to the high-powered hydraulic axial piston motor system.

The counterweight system is modular and includes up to 185 tons of removable counterweights in configurations of 130, 30, and 25 tonnes, optimizing stability for different jobsite demands. Outriggers are hydraulically extendable with a maximum spread of 9.2 meters and come with multiple hydraulic jacks and mid/rear support for enhanced setup.

Operator safety and control are paramount in the NK5000. The crane includes an ACS (Automatic Crane Safety) system, which monitors overloading, boom angle, hoisting limits, and includes alarms and indicators for operational feedback. The operator cab is ergonomically designed, equipped with AM/FM radio, heater, fan, and features a sliding front window for ease of operation. Additionally, a 3rd winch, rear gantry, tool compartments, and lighting systems are included to support demanding operations during day and night.

The Kato NK5000 remains a testament to the company’s legacy in producing high-capacity, high-reliability mobile cranes. Its balance of heavy-lift capability, structural engineering, and mobility make it a standout model in Kato’s crane lineage and a significant player in Japan’s heavy equipment history.